By Chen Xiaolai

My Grandma’s Ideal Women

By Chen Xiaolai

M y grandma believes that a beautifulwoman’sface should meet three conditions before a man will want her hand in marriage.

Firstly,her eyebrows and eyes should stay focused and at ease in conversation. Whentalkingtopeople,awoman should listen to the other attentively,her eyes engaged,with her eyebrows still and flat.My grandma believes it is impolite for someone to raise their eyebrows or move their eyes back and forth.

Secondly,the nose of this woman should be upright.As the highest contour ontheface,awoman’snose should be upright,rather than flat or swelling.My grandma believes the nostrils should not be upturned—otherwise a woman runs the risk of looking like a pig.

Thirdly,my grandma believes that a woman’s teeth should be white and well arranged,with uniform size.The upper lip should be thinner than the lower lip, and she should smile without showing her teeth.

These three features resemble the shape of the letter‘I.’The horizontal line on the top refers to morality.Looking around during conversation means that this woman is calculating,and the husband should be careful.The vertical line in the middle refers to intelligence and ability—an upright nasal bridge signifies that she is assertive,and is capable of balancing relationships with in-laws and managing family finances.An upright nose means the husband will be free of worries.Her well-arranged teeth and mouth,the even horizontal line at the bottom,signify that she is good at keeping secrets,and they further symbolize health and beauty.Furthermore,fine teeth are certainly pleasing to the husband’s eyes.In addition,teeth are an important tool for appetite and digestion. Without healthy teeth,she will not be in good health,and her breath will be foul.

(FromXiaolai’s World,New World Press.Translation:Li Li.)